Ohio's poverty crisis

       If all of the children living in extreme poverty in Ohio lined up and held hands, the line of children would stretch all of the way from Cleveland to Columbus.

Living in extreme poverty means that your household income is at or below 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.  According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, more than nearly 275,000 children are living in extreme poverty in Ohio. That number is shocking and disappointing.

Homeless area residents explain the challenges they are facing

Throughout the last year, many of our clients at Athens County Job and Family Services have filled out surveys discussing the hardships they are facing. Following are several of the comments from clients who are currently homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless:

“Currently, my hardships are that I have no job and am having a hard time finding work. As a result, I have no home, I just have to bounce around from place to place and stay with my friends. I also have no money to pay for groceries or food at all. I won’t need help for long, but at the moment I would really appreciate it.”

“I have no money or income. I have been living out of my car and I am seeking help with food. I have been looking for work, but no luck. Please help. I would also appreciate medical, too, but food is what I need. Thanks for your time.”